Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 4, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 9:1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there, people brought him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"– he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from Matthew recounts Jesus’ healing of a paralytic. Jesus’ healing begins with the spiritual, and some present accused Jesus of blasphemy because forgiveness of sins belongs to the LORD alone. Knowing the skeptics’ and critics’ objections, Jesus addresses the paralytic’s physical needs. Jesus’ actions gave glory to God among the crowd.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I bring my spiritual needs to Christ as well as my physical? Do I believe Jesus has dominion over both?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, I come to You this day and all days, lifting up to You my praise for all You are and thanksgiving for all the gifts You have given to me, most especially my life and the lives of my loved ones. I bring my needs to You as well. Send your Spirit to stir within me the love that is woven within my very being, your love. Grant that I may use my life well, in service to You, and that my life will bring You glory. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.